John 21:21-22 - Staying in your own lane

Dante, our five-month old GoldenDoodle puppy is attending Dog Obedience School. Five other assorted canines, all of them only a few months old, are also attending this class. Together. That's part of the training: to behave properly without getting distracted by other dogs. 

One session involved the owners leading their respective dogs within close proximity to each other. That requires immense discipline for to stifle their innate doggy desires of barking, sniffing, lunging, and barking some more.

Of course, I'm constantly finding parallels between dog training and the spiritual life. One of those lessons is to "stay in your own lane." Yes, I know I'm mixing metaphors, but bear with me.

Before Jesus said goodbye to his disciples and returned to heaven, he hinted to Peter that he would die a martyr's death. Peter became distracted though. He saw John standing nearby and asked Jesus:

“'What about him, Lord?”'

Jesus replied, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.'” (John 21:21-22, New Living Translation)

What will it look like for you to follow Jesus?

What--or rather, WHO--is the primary distraction that could get you off track?

Father, What kind of person do You want me to be? Where do you want me to go today, and what do you want me to do? You may have entirely different expectations for others. Don't let me be distracted by their responsibilities; those aren't mine to worry about. Keep my eyes and ears focused on responding to Your guidance for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.